Initial FNR4 Impressions

by pastapadre
Posted June 28th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

fnr40628

Fight Night Round 4 made its way out last week as one of the most anticipated sports releases of the year. Over the last couple days I’ve found myself trying to get a feel for the game and playing online. Some of the detrimental aspects and design decisions have stood out the most once getting past the fantastic visuals. Continue on for some general thoughts and leave yours in the comments!

Much has been made over the longer development cycle that the game had to benefit from. That is most seen in the physics engine which does a fantastic job with things like hit detection and grazing shots. The graphics exceed FNR3 and challenge UFC 2009 as maybe the best of the generation. Those things make it feel like a fresh experience despite being a bi-yearly franchise.

There are a few aspects of the game that have stood out so far as negatively affecting the experience. The camera spins around a great deal and throughout longer fights I’ve found that to be disorienting. I also feel like at times I’m drawn into the opponent and can’t get away from them…almost like the game pushes you into the inside fighting. Fatigue seems to be the biggest issue. It is most pronounced in online bouts but it is the fatigue system in general and not online that has been exposed as a problem.

Go anywhere that is discussing the game and there will be a debate about the button punching being removed. This continues to be a baffling decision as it has upset a large faction of consumers and dominated talk surrounding the game. I actually used the analog stick in FNR3 so my feeling that buttons still should have been included is based on offering options as being a positive thing. For whatever reason though, despite uproar from the community, EA remained stubborn and refused to consider it.

Now though I almost want to go back to the buttons. I’m finding the stick to be inconsistent and too mechanical in nature. Rarely am I able to counter and in many cases I’m having to think about the type of punch and motion involved instead of going off reaction. This is especially the case with haymakers where you’re required to hold the RB which is incredibly awkward. I pretty much have forgotten about attempting to put combinations together. Not to mention that frequently I’m making motions with the stick and no punch comes or the wrong one is thrown.

The ironic thing is that one of the main reasons for removing the buttons was due to imbalance vs the analog stick with online. What that actually means is the buttons were more effective and precise. Now you just have people online stick “mashing” basically meaning nothing has changed. A proper fatigue system could’ve balanced things regardless of the control scheme being used. However people are throwing punches like crazy and not having to pay for it. Against the wrong person online it makes for a very frustrating experience.

At least online runs much better than the last iteration which was plagued with lag issues. I’ve yet to encounter anything but very smooth fights. Against the right people online it could be an enjoyable experience.

The Photo Face feature is a nice addition but again it doesn’t do a great job with the rare exceptions. I’ve yet to create anything that looks at all like me or the celebrities I was attempting to recreate. There are still a lack of options which have plagued it in the past such as not enough variations of hair styles. There are some good created fighters available to download though. Also it’s cool that they have the replay highlight uploading but where is the screenshot feature? This seems like a game perfect for that but it wasn’t included.

Again this is a beautiful game that deserves accolades based on various techncial achievements such as the amazing graphics and physics system. However the enjoyment level is probably going to be more split than was seen with FNR3. I wasn’t get a whole lot out of that game but I respected what it did for being early in the console’s life cycle. Right now I remember having more fun with that than I am with FNR4 though so I don’t forsee playing this extensively. I expect a lot of people will love this game but I’m thinking there will be a larger faction that dislikes it also.

Tags:

Larry

I am a casual gamer. I must say that I love this game. I like it better than FNR3!

As far as the online fights. I tried to play 6 games and I must say that I am dissapointed. New game same old crap by gamers.

As far as the legacy and 'fight now' I must say that EA got this game right. Its not perfect but it is as close to sim as you can get. The last fight night I became world champ in a day! This one, my fighter won its first 7 fights then lost the next 8. The AI is much better!

As far as the new control, I dont know what pasta is saying regarding how unresponsive it is. It better than botton mashing.
Larry

I am a casual gamer. I must say that I love this game. I like it better than FNR3!

As far as the online fights. I tried to play 6 games and I must say that I am dissapointed. New game same old crap by gamers.

As far as the legacy and 'fight now' I must say that EA got this game right. Its not perfect but it is as close to sim as you can get. The last fight night I became world champ in a day! This one, my fighter won its first 7 fights then lost the next 8. The AI is much better!

As far as the new control, I dont know what pasta is saying regarding how unresponsive it is. It better than botton mashing.
Gtruth

The training system is a problem. I got all the way to being ranked in the top 30 with alot of my attributes being lower then all my competition. The game should level it at certain points like making your foot speed a minimum level at every say 5 levels.
Gtruth

The training system is a problem. I got all the way to being ranked in the top 30 with alot of my attributes being lower then all my competition. The game should level it at certain points like making your foot speed a minimum level at every say 5 levels.
PEcko

FNR3 is not even CLOSE to FNR4. Any boxing fan can tell you its the difference between night and day.
PEcko

FNR3 is not even CLOSE to FNR4. Any boxing fan can tell you its the difference between night and day.
http://intensedebate.com/people/dequince38 dequince38

i found that even when AI boxers are getting beat really bad they still try approaching you instead of backing off even when they are dazed and the fatigue issue bothers me too but i like it so i rented it
http://intensedebate.com/people/dequince38 dequince38

i found that even when AI boxers are getting beat really bad they still try approaching you instead of backing off even when they are dazed and the fatigue issue bothers me too but i like it so i rented it
http://intensedebate.com/people/Attaboy21 Attaboy21

hey, does anyone know if you can play legacy mode for as long as you want, or just like ufc, for a few years???
http://intensedebate.com/people/Attaboy21 Attaboy21

hey, does anyone know if you can play legacy mode for as long as you want, or just like ufc, for a few years???
http://intensedebate.com/people/Ramboner Ramboner

LOL get better on the sticks
http://intensedebate.com/people/Ramboner Ramboner

LOL get better on the sticks
http://www.twitter.com/shogunoflive shogunoflive

After reading Pasta's thoughts on the game I must say Pasta you simply need to get better at the game. Combinations can be thrown, quite easily. The "stick mashers" as you say are there online, however that shouldn't be a slight against the game. For that is someone's playing style. What I do is take it for what it is. A boxing sim..A stick masher is simply a fighter that comes out with a high volume of punches with reckless abandon. And to counter that I use smart defense and smart counter punching, I go to the body and usually take them out within 3 rounds. You can make a masher pay, and pay dearly….My hardest bouts have been against guys that were more methodical with their punches.

I do agree with you on the GameFace…I was able to create me pretty good, however it took me taking a picture of myself a few times and uploading to the website. Attempting to do it with the vision camera failed miserably.
http://www.twitter.com/shogunoflive shogunoflive

After reading Pasta's thoughts on the game I must say Pasta you simply need to get better at the game. Combinations can be thrown, quite easily. The "stick mashers" as you say are there online, however that shouldn't be a slight against the game. For that is someone's playing style. What I do is take it for what it is. A boxing sim..A stick masher is simply a fighter that comes out with a high volume of punches with reckless abandon. And to counter that I use smart defense and smart counter punching, I go to the body and usually take them out within 3 rounds. You can make a masher pay, and pay dearly….My hardest bouts have been against guys that were more methodical with their punches.

I do agree with you on the GameFace…I was able to create me pretty good, however it took me taking a picture of myself a few times and uploading to the website. Attempting to do it with the vision camera failed miserably.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Sidewinder Sidewinder

Overall, I'm having fun with it but I am annoyed on how messed up the fatigue system works. Guys can go and flail around throwing a thousand punches and still not be as tired as the opponent who is blocking and being precise.

Again there are ways to counter it. Mostly it's guys throwing all body punches. If this happens I just keep on hooking one side of his face and open up a cut. Once the round ends I can just go back and focus on healing stamina.

That said, it really isn't a big deal when considering the big picture of the game and how awesome everything else is. Whenever you play against a legit opponent, it's nothing less then great fun.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Sidewinder Sidewinder

Overall, I'm having fun with it but I am annoyed on how messed up the fatigue system works. Guys can go and flail around throwing a thousand punches and still not be as tired as the opponent who is blocking and being precise.

Again there are ways to counter it. Mostly it's guys throwing all body punches. If this happens I just keep on hooking one side of his face and open up a cut. Once the round ends I can just go back and focus on healing stamina.

That said, it really isn't a big deal when considering the big picture of the game and how awesome everything else is. Whenever you play against a legit opponent, it's nothing less then great fun.
http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

I don't think I've ever said this about a sports game, but I love Fight Night 4. The fatigue system is an issue. As for the game forcing the fighters into one another…I think they want to present a challenge to the user, instead of jab jab, and run for the entire round. You're forced to block, push, weave, and dodge and move around the ring a bit. I found that to be a good balance. Two fights are never the same. I can't go in with the same strategy and stick mash, because my Prior to the theory of evolution, there was no logic (other than religion) to why things the way they were. The theory of evolution provided people to map species history, past strength and weakness' and an underrstanding of the importance of adapting. Plate tectonics not only has linked the early formations of our planet, but also leads us to our future. It allows us to understand why we experience some of the sismec activies and to even predict some of these events. This allows us to be adapt and to prepare ourselves. The understanding of plate tectonics may also serve as a helpful means for us in the future (disposal of nuclear waste). will get a good counter in, leave me fazed or leave me on the ground.

The one thing I don't like is that they used the same announcer from NBA Live in this game, and then you can even barely hear him. I also would like to see a little bit more drama when it comes to the decision in announcing the winner.

Another gripe I have is the clock. It's way too fast. There should be an option for users that want to use a regular speed clock. I suppose they did this to avoid less first round knock outs? I don't know.

The training mode in Legacy mode still leaves me wanting more. This is where UFC wins in that department. 1 training session in two months? Come on now. I'm ranked 10th right now, and my rating is a 67, while my opponents are in their high 80's.

As for the right analog stick. I used to be one of the people who always used the button configuration, never tried TPC until Fight Night 4 and I love it. The game appears more realistic, and you have to simulate the movers punches on the stick with accuracy as well, which will determine your punch. I actually enjoy using it, it makes me think about when to actually punch, otherwise if I fail I could see my fighter on the floor.

I guess no one is complaining that they have to use the right analog stick to swing in Tiger Wood games. Like EA said, get over it. In 2 years no one will be saying anything about TPC.

Zach

What the hell happened in the middle of that first paragraph?

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

I don't think I've ever said this about a sports game, but I love Fight Night 4. The fatigue system is an issue. As for the game forcing the fighters into one another…I think they want to present a challenge to the user, instead of jab jab, and run for the entire round. You're forced to block, push, weave, and dodge and move around the ring a bit. I found that to be a good balance. Two fights are never the same. I can't go in with the same strategy and stick mash, because my Prior to the theory of evolution, there was no logic (other than religion) to why things the way they were. The theory of evolution provided people to map species history, past strength and weakness' and an underrstanding of the importance of adapting. Plate tectonics not only has linked the early formations of our planet, but also leads us to our future. It allows us to understand why we experience some of the sismec activies and to even predict some of these events. This allows us to be adapt and to prepare ourselves. The understanding of plate tectonics may also serve as a helpful means for us in the future (disposal of nuclear waste). will get a good counter in, leave me fazed or leave me on the ground.

The one thing I don't like is that they used the same announcer from NBA Live in this game, and then you can even barely hear him. I also would like to see a little bit more drama when it comes to the decision in announcing the winner.

Another gripe I have is the clock. It's way too fast. There should be an option for users that want to use a regular speed clock. I suppose they did this to avoid less first round knock outs? I don't know.

The training mode in Legacy mode still leaves me wanting more. This is where UFC wins in that department. 1 training session in two months? Come on now. I'm ranked 10th right now, and my rating is a 67, while my opponents are in their high 80's.

As for the right analog stick. I used to be one of the people who always used the button configuration, never tried TPC until Fight Night 4 and I love it. The game appears more realistic, and you have to simulate the movers punches on the stick with accuracy as well, which will determine your punch. I actually enjoy using it, it makes me think about when to actually punch, otherwise if I fail I could see my fighter on the floor.

I guess no one is complaining that they have to use the right analog stick to swing in Tiger Wood games. Like EA said, get over it. In 2 years no one will be saying anything about TPC.

Zach

What the hell happened in the middle of that first paragraph?

http://intensedebate.com/people/DaveDQ DaveDQ

A great game to play offline and online against friends. Unfortunately, the World Championship is ruined by a broken fatigue/stamina system. Perhaps they'll address this.
http://intensedebate.com/people/DaveDQ DaveDQ

A great game to play offline and online against friends. Unfortunately, the World Championship is ruined by a broken fatigue/stamina system. Perhaps they'll address this.
whatcha

This game truly simulates the sport of boxing (yes, I've boxed). let me rephrase. It truly simulates the art of boxing if you're fighting against the AI in Legacy mode. If you're fighting online you can expect to see a gazillion punches thrown at your body with no impact to your opponent's stamina while your stamina has gone the way of the dodo bird. I love the career mode and truly enjoy the game. I agree about the training aspect of the game because I'm ranked 3rd in the light heavyweight division with a 77 OVR fighter. I'm surround by Jermain Taylor (96 OVR), Roy Jones Jr (88 OVR), etc. Granted, I got here by stick and move, stick and move (I avoided getting hit more than beat my opponent to death), but I should be rated higher. I auto-train because auto-training gets me more points than me trying to do any of the training myself. I missed the maize bag exercise ONCE and got a bum rating. What the heck? The fights are fun, though. They're also challenging and taking on someone like Taylor I got knocked the eff out. Should have zigged instead of zagged, I guess.
whatcha

This game truly simulates the sport of boxing (yes, I've boxed). let me rephrase. It truly simulates the art of boxing if you're fighting against the AI in Legacy mode. If you're fighting online you can expect to see a gazillion punches thrown at your body with no impact to your opponent's stamina while your stamina has gone the way of the dodo bird. I love the career mode and truly enjoy the game. I agree about the training aspect of the game because I'm ranked 3rd in the light heavyweight division with a 77 OVR fighter. I'm surround by Jermain Taylor (96 OVR), Roy Jones Jr (88 OVR), etc. Granted, I got here by stick and move, stick and move (I avoided getting hit more than beat my opponent to death), but I should be rated higher. I auto-train because auto-training gets me more points than me trying to do any of the training myself. I missed the maize bag exercise ONCE and got a bum rating. What the heck? The fights are fun, though. They're also challenging and taking on someone like Taylor I got knocked the eff out. Should have zigged instead of zagged, I guess.
http://intensedebate.com/people/quiknick quiknick

To be Completly honest i have mixed feelings about the game. the graphics are amazing to say the lease, and the physics system is very well done but othere than that its just another game. i already completed a career mode as a flyweight eventually finishing as a bantamweight. i held all 3 titles in both weight classes and finshed career as #1 in P4P ranking and greatest of all time. than thats it im pretty much done with the game im not as excited as i was last week to go home and play it. the career mode just wasnt exciting as they made it out to be with all the stats and awards and stuff, but i do LOVE how you change weight classes, thats something UFC definitly needs to add to the game next year along with age and declinig attributes. i cant play the game with my freinds becasue they fell like there going to have a seziure cause the camera moves around to much. i could care less about not having buttons i use they stick and have no problems. i almost wished i rented it instead of buying it but o well im sure i will get my 60 bucks out of it untill madden and fifa come out. all in all i would give the game like an 8.5ish, worth a buy if you play online alot.
http://intensedebate.com/people/quiknick quiknick

To be Completly honest i have mixed feelings about the game. the graphics are amazing to say the lease, and the physics system is very well done but othere than that its just another game. i already completed a career mode as a flyweight eventually finishing as a bantamweight. i held all 3 titles in both weight classes and finshed career as #1 in P4P ranking and greatest of all time. than thats it im pretty much done with the game im not as excited as i was last week to go home and play it. the career mode just wasnt exciting as they made it out to be with all the stats and awards and stuff, but i do LOVE how you change weight classes, thats something UFC definitly needs to add to the game next year along with age and declinig attributes. i cant play the game with my freinds becasue they fell like there going to have a seziure cause the camera moves around to much. i could care less about not having buttons i use they stick and have no problems. i almost wished i rented it instead of buying it but o well im sure i will get my 60 bucks out of it untill madden and fifa come out. all in all i would give the game like an 8.5ish, worth a buy if you play online alot.
http://onemancrimewave.blogspot.com/ Zane

I agree with everything you said Pasta….I have one question though: Could EA put out a patch that would allow a person to use the controller scheme as FNR3? I like this game a lot because it requires a lot of thought…but I'm with you in that punching doesn't feel fluid. Something as easy as training is extremely difficult which slows down the progression of your boxer.
http://onemancrimewave.blogspot.com Zane

I agree with everything you said Pasta….I have one question though: Could EA put out a patch that would allow a person to use the controller scheme as FNR3? I like this game a lot because it requires a lot of thought…but I'm with you in that punching doesn't feel fluid. Something as easy as training is extremely difficult which slows down the progression of your boxer.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

It amuses me how I see comments about my opinions being based on not being good at the game. There are plenty of games that I've disliked that I was good at as well as games that I've really enjoyed despite not being all that good.

There are going to be times when opinions vary. From reading through all the comments and on all the other places discussing the game opinion is split. That's what I expected after playing it. Doesn't make anyone "right" or "wrong" just means there is that fracture in opinion on FNR4.

http://www.twitter.com/shogunoflive shogunoflive

Well when you say things like your rarely able to counter, or that people seem to be able to stick mash without paying for it. Well I find it quite easy to counter, and Im playing the same version you are. So if I can do it then you can as well. Same thing for stick mashers, there is a very clear way on how to make them pay for it "GO TO THE BODY" they can keep mashing if they wont but they won have any power on their punches, and they will also take more damage.

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

It amuses me how I see comments about my opinions being based on not being good at the game. There are plenty of games that I've disliked that I was good at as well as games that I've really enjoyed despite not being all that good.

There are going to be times when opinions vary. From reading through all the comments and on all the other places discussing the game opinion is split. That's what I expected after playing it. Doesn't make anyone "right" or "wrong" just means there is that fracture in opinion on FNR4.

http://www.twitter.com/shogunoflive shogunoflive

Well when you say things like your rarely able to counter, or that people seem to be able to stick mash without paying for it. Well I find it quite easy to counter, and Im playing the same version you are. So if I can do it then you can as well. Same thing for stick mashers, there is a very clear way on how to make them pay for it "GO TO THE BODY" they can keep mashing if they wont but they won have any power on their punches, and they will also take more damage.

Maynard

pretty much nailed it pasta….good stuff
Maynard

pretty much nailed it pasta….good stuff
Wrizzla

The game is tight… Im a button user myself but have adjusted pretty well to the stick system… I do agree with the lack of respose sometimes but overall pretty close to perfect…. the game is definitely on point…

To the people that say the traded it in already… next time keep your stupidity a secret.
Wrizzla

The game is tight… Im a button user myself but have adjusted pretty well to the stick system… I do agree with the lack of respose sometimes but overall pretty close to perfect…. the game is definitely on point…

To the people that say the traded it in already… next time keep your stupidity a secret.
Bill

Pasta u played madden 10 and correct me if im wrong but isnt the right stick needed to make moves in the pocket this year? Did it make the game better?

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I like the use of the right stick for pocket avoidance. Its just brushing it to the direction you want to move. Its not something you keep your hand on or anything. Its just a natural reaction to hit it.

Theres a difference between when games use the stick to enhance the experience (NHL, Madden, Live, NBA 2K) and when the stick IS the experience like MLB 2K and Fight Night.

Bill

Pasta u played madden 10 and correct me if im wrong but isnt the right stick needed to make moves in the pocket this year? Did it make the game better?

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I like the use of the right stick for pocket avoidance. Its just brushing it to the direction you want to move. Its not something you keep your hand on or anything. Its just a natural reaction to hit it.

Theres a difference between when games use the stick to enhance the experience (NHL, Madden, Live, NBA 2K) and when the stick IS the experience like MLB 2K and Fight Night.

t. daley

When playing a sports game online there is 2 certainties:

1) Most likely the stranger you are playing is a tool
2) The tool you are playing will undoubtedly cheese you the entire time.
t. daley

When playing a sports game online there is 2 certainties:

1) Most likely the stranger you are playing is a tool
2) The tool you are playing will undoubtedly cheese you the entire time.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Yet when the game is designed properly that won't factor in (at least as much). UFC is a great example of this. Everything has a counter and there is nothing that is overpowered or exploitable about the gameplay.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Yet when the game is designed properly that won't factor in (at least as much). UFC is a great example of this. Everything has a counter and there is nothing that is overpowered or exploitable about the gameplay.
sdot

@ Pasta NOT sure xactly who dat was directed 2 but MY point was dat U just DON'T seem 2 be very good @ usin da analog 2 do moves

like upper cuts & cross ova's like in FN & 2K datz it

DAMN U read thru ALL da comments
sdot

@ Pasta NOT sure xactly who dat was directed 2 but MY point was dat U just DON'T seem 2 be very good @ usin da analog 2 do moves

like upper cuts & cross ova's like in FN & 2K datz it

DAMN U read thru ALL da comments
teenickz

the game is good …but i do think online stamina needs to be tweaked….people are throwing everything crazy online with little stamina being lost …thats my biggest gripe!
teenickz

the game is good …but i do think online stamina needs to be tweaked….people are throwing everything crazy online with little stamina being lost …thats my biggest gripe!
JKW

Thanks for the writeup Pasta. Typical for EA to take out a feature and then add it back in. I guess they know better than the gamer when it comes to what the gamer wants in their game.
JKW

Thanks for the writeup Pasta. Typical for EA to take out a feature and then add it back in. I guess they know better than the gamer when it comes to what the gamer wants in their game.
Endzone16

Yo i just don't know what the hell you guys want in a boxing game because R4 is the shit! Yo this game feels like real boxing and the AI is really smart on the higher levels. It's funny how some folks can't get the TPC yet other folks can master it. Seems like nobody would be able to master it if it was that bad. Maybe it's you guys that don't know what the hell you're doing cause i got it down and can throw just about any combo i choose. You cats just need more practice. So if i can play a guitar and you can't does that mean it's something wrong with the guitar or the person playing it?

This game is excellent G! Fuck all the negative shit you been hearing. Cats just don't know how to play it correctly so they bash it instead of taking time to learn it the right way.

Yo what up sdot!
Endzone16

Yo i just don't know what the hell you guys want in a boxing game because R4 is the shit! Yo this game feels like real boxing and the AI is really smart on the higher levels. It's funny how some folks can't get the TPC yet other folks can master it. Seems like nobody would be able to master it if it was that bad. Maybe it's you guys that don't know what the hell you're doing cause i got it down and can throw just about any combo i choose. You cats just need more practice. So if i can play a guitar and you can't does that mean it's something wrong with the guitar or the person playing it?

This game is excellent G! Fuck all the negative shit you been hearing. Cats just don't know how to play it correctly so they bash it instead of taking time to learn it the right way.

Yo what up sdot!
Tha Commissioner

This game plays just fine offline and online. Punch spammers can easily be defeated and I've had no problems throwing any combo. Awesome game and well worth the 60 bucks that I paid.
Tha Commissioner

This game plays just fine offline and online. Punch spammers can easily be defeated and I've had no problems throwing any combo. Awesome game and well worth the 60 bucks that I paid.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Radie Radie

Any info on the new career system?

Also, I feel like this game needs a re-visit after a few weeks of play. See if that doesnt make it feel more fluid.

I think I am going to wait until the game has been in the community and see if any patches are released or if people start to feel like with practice, they are more in control.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Radie Radie

Any info on the new career system?

Also, I feel like this game needs a re-visit after a few weeks of play. See if that doesnt make it feel more fluid.

I think I am going to wait until the game has been in the community and see if any patches are released or if people start to feel like with practice, they are more in control.